This painting is traditionally called the Nocturnal Battle. However, the naval battle at Kijkduin, between Cornelis Tromp on the Gouden Leeuw and Sir Edward Spragg on the Royal Prince, actually took place in daylight hours on 21 August 1673. It looks like night only because the encounter is shown partially hidden behind clouds of smoke and gunpowder fumes. While the Dutch flagship is sinking at the right, Tromp battles on from a captured ship.